Supercomputer Applications
UNIT #5   -   Computer Simulation

Why Use Computer Simulation?

There are often situations that happen so slowly that a computer model can be used to speed up the process. Scientists can then use their models for situations such as weather prediction, global warming, or hazardous waste control. We use many such computer models now for such predictions, although they are often simplifications of the actual situations. The alternative of waiting until after some catastrophic event has happened and just observing the results is not prudent, though.

In other situations, there are often things that we would like to investigate that are so small or happen so quickly that they cannot be observed by the human eye. We can use computer models to study such things and even make discoveries or predictions. Computer models can be used to study molecular dynamics, and even build smaller yet better computers.

Computer models such as these are often very computationally intensive, so therefore supercomputers are typically used to run them so that results can be obtained in a shorter time period. Below you will find a general introduction to computer simulation and supercomputing.

• Getting Started with Supercomputing

Computer Simulation Techniques

• Time Step Model   -   Trajectory Simulation
  This is a step by step development of a physics simulation depicting the trajectory of a simple projectile. It progresses from a simple time-step model, through a supercomputer visualization of the full parameter range.
  
  
• Finite State Automaton   -   Gypsy Moth Simulation
  This model uses a finte state automaton approach to study the evolution of a gypsy moth population over time.
  
  
• Random Walk and Discrete Limited Aggregation
  This uses a technique of allowing a particle to randomly move in an environment, and then sticking it to some surface. It is commonly used to study phenomena such as crystal growth.
  
  
• Event Driven Simulation
  This technique allows for more accurate control of the time clock in a computer simulation. A priority queue is used to hold a list of "next events", and for each action, the system clock is updated and results recorded.

Assignments - UNIT #5

• Simple Simulation
  Create a simple simulation in OpenGL that will demonstrate some physical system. The model can be a modification of the trajectory example, or some other approach depending upon your particular interest. Be sure to demonstrate that you have validated your model.
  
  
• Multi-User Simulations Using UNIX Sockets
  For those students who want to create more advanced simulations that might involve multiple users on remote systems, check out the following page that introduces the topic of UNIX Sockets.
  
  
• My ThinkQuest
  Get a My ThinkQuest Account. This will allow us to participate in the new Internet2 and Tele-immersion projects in a pilot project where we will be exploring possibilities with broadband access for K-12.
  
  
• The Physics Toolbox
  For our school's involvement with Imagining the Future, we will encourage our students to work on a project that will incorporate computer simulation techniques and 3D graphics. We hope we can begin to develop a repository of interactive physics simulations that can be utilized by students at many levels.
  
  
• Scientific Visualization   (Concurrent with Unit #6)
  Expand your simulation to observe the effects of some external stimulus and display by some visualization technique using a broad range of parameter values. Significan bonus credit will be given to those students who utilize either PVM or the Linux Cluster to speed up their computation.
  
  

  Submitting Your Work

  Please use the following program to submit Unit #5 for a final grade in this class:
  • Submit Unit #5